Looking for full-time opportunities? Click here for our current full-time openings.
Summer 2022 at Miniwanca will take place in two sessions: Session A from June 26 to July 8 and Session B from July 10 to July 29. Staff training for most roles will begin June 18. Learn more about our Summer 2022 program offerings.
The American Youth Foundation board of directors and full-time team recognize the powerful and demanding commitment the seasonal team makes to the youth we serve. We are thrilled to announce we have significantly increased our pay rate for summer 2022. See individual roles below for specific rates. While some positions require you to live onsite (Cabin Leaders, for example), all roles below have the option to do so. Housing and all meals are provided.
The health and safety of our AYF community is our top priority. All summer 2022 staff and participants are required to be fully vaccinated and up to date on their COVID-19 vaccination before they arrive at Miniwanca. Proof of vaccination will be collected before arrival at camp.
The American Youth Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or veteran’s status.
Cabin Leader
Cabin Leaders (summer camp counselors) are seasonal youth development professionals who co-lead a cabin group of 6 to 8 campers in either Boys Camp or Girls Camp and are active leaders in daily activities. Cabin Leaders work directly with youth and help them discover their best selves.
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Four Trails Leader
Four Trails Leaders (summer camp counselors) are seasonal youth development professionals who co-lead a cabin group of 10 to 12 campers during backpacking and/or canoeing trips off-site and on Miniwanca property. Trips may be 2 to 17 days in length.
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Leader in Training
LITs work as leaders in training, learning a variety of camp roles. They support cabin leaders and the Activities Team in Boys Camp and Girls Camp. LITs receive additional training and evaluation beyond staff training, participating in regular group and one-on-one meetings for professional development.
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Food Program Team
The Food Program Team consists of assistants, specialists, and coordinators who help with food preparation, service, kitchen clean-up and dish washing to ensure healthy, safe meals for the staff and campers.
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Media Specialist Intern
Media Specialists are paid interns focused on photography, communications, and marketing. The Media Specialist documents daily activities at camp with an eye to the AYF’s year-round marketing and communication needs. They write regular blog posts, create social media posts, and write longer articles for the AYF email newsletter.
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Community Life Specialist
This Community Life Specialist will work with the Community Care Team and the Director of Community Life, Diversity, and Inclusion to ensure the support of campers who hold historically marginalized identities (BIPOC, LGBTQ+, etc.).
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Lead Health Officer
The Lead Health Officer is responsible for overseeing the health and safety of the camp community. The Lead Health Officer supervises other members of the health team and oversees the health care of Miniwanca participants and staff while operating and maintaining the Health Center.
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Health Officer
The Health Officer works under the direction of the Lead Health Officer to administer a sound program of health and safety that follows all Michigan state health regulations and American Youth Foundation and American Camp Associate standards. The Health Officer works with the Health Team to administer health care and medications for all staff and participants.
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Assistant Health Officer
The Assistant Health Officer works under the direction/supervision of the Lead Health Officer to administer a sound program of health and safety that follows all Michigan state health regulations and American Youth Foundation and American Camp Associate standards.
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Scout Leader
The Scout Leaders develop and implement a discovery day program for children of camp staff (generally ages 1 to 7). Some evening duties may also be required as the needs of the program dictate. Summer 2022 will include two weeks of paid staff training, followed by one two-week and one three-week camp sessions ending July 30.
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Community Care Specialist
The Community Care Specialist is a seasonal position, responsible for support and communication of campers and the larger community related to social emotional wellbeing. This position serves on a team of individuals who collaborate to proactively support wellbeing for the camper community and the staff who support them. This includes both providing direct support to campers as well as coaching for and side-by-side intervention with other members of the staff community.
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Program Specialists
There are several different specialist positions available throughout both camps, such as Waterfront Specialist and Woodshop Specialist. In each program area, specialists will work to create an experience that helps campers learn and grow. Campers will learn and practice new skills under the care of the specialists.
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